Bureau's flood watch warning remains for the Clarence

The Clarence River is a 75% chance of flooding again by the end of the week. Pictured is the river flow under the Grafton Bridge at 2pm on Monday, January 28, just a couple of weeks ago. Photo: Adam Hourigan / The Daily ExaminerAdam Hourigan

ASHLEIGH Wilson from the Coffs Harbour Bureau of Meteorology office said while there is distinct difference between this weather system and ex tropical Oswald which caused the January floods, people should expect similar conditions.

She said there is the potential for gale force winds and heavy rain.

Tuesday, February 19 at 2.16pm

THE Clarence River is a 75% chance of flooding again by the end of the week says the Bureau of Meteorology.

In its latest flood watch issued today the BOM has warned a low pressure system developing over south east Queensland could lead to flooding in rivers from the border to the Hunter Valley.

Coffs Harbour BOM spokeswoman Ashleigh Wilson said the rain system could dump between 30mm and 70mm of rain a day in the catchment area until the weekend.

She said the sodden ground after the recent flood will exacerbate the problem.

"It had been dry and the ground soaked up a lot of water when the last flood came," she said.

Ms Wilson said it was important people kept a look out on the situation in their areas by listening for weather updates.

Clarence Nambucca SES region controller Caroline Ortel said now is the time for people to prepare for flooding.

Ms Ortel said SES volunteers were beginning to prepare for a new emergency.

"During the last flood emergency our volunteers handled 162 jobs in very trying circumstances and they're backing up again," she said.

On the coast the BOM has forecast dangerous surf conditions for the NSW coastline from Queensland to Coffs Harbour until Thursday.

An easterly/south easterly swell of up to 4.5m is expected.

Conditions will result in an extreme level of risk at coastal beaches, rock shelves, coastal cliffs and bar-crossings.

"We're potentially looking at a reasonable storm event and our patrols and emergency callout teams are all on high alert," said SLSNSW lifesaving officer, Murray Copas.

"We'd advise people stay out of the water and away from rock platforms and headlands until these conditions moderate," he said.

Storm damage and beach erosion is possible in some coastal areas.

The BOM said on average flooding follows in 75% of flood watches issued.